Tray Ceiling System

ABSTRACT

A system to form a tray ceiling is disclosed, wherein an L-shaped member is placed against the existing wall and ceiling surfaces proximate to where the existing wall meets the existing ceiling. The L-shaped member is then attached to the existing wall and ceiling surfaces at the edges of the “L”. This is done around the perimeter of the existing ceiling, using a plurality of the L-shaped members, such that the part of the existing ceiling enclosed by the L-shaped members has the appearance of being recessed, as in a tray ceiling. Attaching the L-shaped member against the existing wall and ceiling creates a cavity wherein lights, audio speakers, or other items can be installed if desired.

BACKGROUND

1. Field of the Invention

The invention is in the area of tray ceiling systems.

2. Description of the Related Art

Faux tray ceiling systems, in which tiles are placed around theperimeter of an existing “regular” ceiling to create the appearance of arecessed or “tray” ceiling, are known in the art. U.S. Pat. No.6,723,419 to Rogers discloses such a system, using solid foam tiles thathave a flat attachment surface for fixing the tiles to the existingceiling.

This type of system has significant disadvantages, however. Since thetiles are solid blocks of foam, there is no room within them in which tolocate lights, speakers, and other items that the homeowner may wish tohave around the periphery of the ceiling. There is also no room tolocate electrical wires running to the aforementioned lights, speakers,etc. within the solid blocks of foam. If the wires are placed betweenthe tile attachment surface and the existing ceiling, then thatinterferes with the fit of the tile against the existing ceiling.Further, if a significantly recessed ceiling is desired, then thatrequires a solid tile that is relatively thick. This in turn means morematerial and greater cost, and adds unnecessary weight to the system.

Thus it can be seen that a tray ceiling system that uses a differentapproach, and has a different physical structure that overcomes thesedisadvantages, would be a significant advance over the prior art.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The invention is a system to form a tray ceiling, wherein an L-shapedmember is placed against the existing wall and ceiling surfacesproximate to where the existing wall meets the existing ceiling. TheL-shaped member is then attached to the existing wall and ceilingsurfaces at the edges of the “L”. This is done around the perimeter ofthe existing ceiling, using a plurality of the L-shaped members, suchthat the part of the existing ceiling enclosed by the L-shaped membershas the appearance of being recessed, as in a tray ceiling. Attachingthe L-shaped member against the existing wall and ceiling creates acavity wherein lights, audio speakers, or other items can be installedif desired.

Several objects and advantages of the invention are:

It is an object of the invention to provide a tray ceiling system thatcan be easily and quickly installed, and that gives the appearance of atray ceiling without having to use framing, drywall, and jointcompound/spackle. The invention also eliminates the use of seamstrips/joint tape and sanding of seams.

It is a further object of the invention to provide a system that allowslights, audio speakers, and other items to be installed within theborder around the tray ceiling, and that provides room for the power orother wires connected to said items.

It is another object of the invention to provide a system wherein theL-shaped member can be formed in one piece, in order to minimizeinstallation effort and time.

It is yet another object of the invention to provide a device that isrelatively easy and cost-effective to manufacture, and that can be madefrom a variety of materials.

Further objects and advantages of the invention will become apparentfrom a consideration of the ensuing description and drawings.

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the L-shaped member that is a primaryelement of the system.

FIG. 2 is a view of existing wall and ceiling surfaces, with furringstrips installed thereon to provide means for attaching the L-shapedmember.

FIG. 3 illustrates the existing wall and ceiling surfaces of FIG. 2,with L-shaped members attached thereto.

FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of the L-shaped member in place againstthe furring strips.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the system of the invention (viewed frombelow), as it would border the perimeter of an existing ceiling and thuscreate a recessed tray ceiling within the border.

FIG. 6 is similar to shows an alternative embodiment similar to theembodiment of FIG. 3, except that in this embodiment, lights andspeakers are located within the cavity formed by the L-shaped member.

FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view similar to FIG. 4, except that a lightand power wires running thereto are located within the cavity formed bythe L-shaped member.

FIG. 8 illustrates a perpendicular corner-joining of the L-shapedmembers, wherein one L-shaped member extends all the way to the wall andthe other L-shaped member butts up against it.

FIG. 9 illustrates a diagonal or “mitered” corner joining of theL-shaped members.

FIG. 10 illustrates a corner-joining of the L-shaped members wherein aseparate corner piece is placed against the ceiling in the corner formedby the two walls, and the longitudinal ends of the L-shaped members arebutted up against the corner piece.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The following provides a list of the reference characters used in thedrawings:

-   -   10. L-shaped member    -   11. Wall-proximate edge    -   12. Ceiling-proximate edge    -   13. Downward-facing surface    -   14. Inward-facing surface    -   15. Existing wall    -   16. Existing ceiling    -   17. Wall furring strip    -   18. Ceiling furring strip    -   19. Upward-facing surface    -   20. Outward-facing surface    -   21. Recessed tray ceiling    -   22. Light    -   23. Speaker    -   24. Wire    -   25. Corner piece

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the L-shaped member that is a primaryelement of the system. L-shaped member 10 is an elongated member thatsubstantially forms an “L” when viewed in cross-section. L-shaped member10 has a wall-proximate edge 11 that is placed against the existing wallsurface, and a ceiling-proximate edge 12 that is placed against theexisting ceiling surface. L-shaped member 10 also has a downward-facingsurface 13 that faces toward the floor of the room when L-shaped member10 is in place. Said another way, downward-facing surface 13 issubstantially parallel to the ceiling and floor of the room whenL-shaped member 10 is in place. L-shaped member 10 also has anupward-facing surface 19 that faces toward the ceiling of the room whenL-shaped member 10 is in place, and that is also substantially parallelto the ceiling and floor of the room when L-shaped member 10 is inplace.

L-shaped member 10 also has an inward-facing surface 14 that facestoward the interior, recessed part of the ceiling when L-shaped member10 is in place. Said another way, inward-facing surface 14 issubstantially perpendicular to the ceiling and floor of the room whenL-shaped member 10 is in place. L-shaped member 10 also has anoutward-facing surface 20 that faces away from the interior, recessedpart of the ceiling when L-shaped member 10 is in place, and that isalso substantially perpendicular to the ceiling and floor of the roomwhen L-shaped member 10 is in place.

FIG. 2 is a view of existing wall and ceiling surfaces, with furringstrips installed thereon to provide means for attaching the L-shapedmember. The room in which the inventive system is installed has existingwalls 15 and an existing ceiling 16. A wall furring strip 17 is attachedto existing wall 15 using any suitable means, with the lower edge ofwall furring strip 17 being at a distance from existing ceiling 16 thatis substantially equal to the distance from ceiling-proximate edge 12 toupward-facing surface 19 of L-shaped member 10. A ceiling furring strip18 is also attached to existing ceiling 16 using any suitable means,with the inner edge of ceiling furring strip 18 being at a distance fromexisting wall 15 that is substantially equal to the distance fromwall-proximate edge 11 to outward-facing surface 20 of L-shaped member10.

FIG. 3 illustrates the existing wall and ceiling surfaces of FIG. 2,with L-shaped members attached thereto. It can be seen that this viewshows the perpendicular corner-joining of the L-shaped members 10, asdetailed in FIG. 8. It should also be understood that when L-shapedmember 10 is placed against existing wall 15 and existing ceiling 16 (orsaid another way, when wall-proximate edge 11 is placed against existingwall 15 and ceiling-proximate edge 12 is placed against existing ceiling16), upward-facing surface 19 rests against the lower edge of wallfurring strip 17 and outward-facing surface 20 rests against the inneredge of ceiling furring strip 18.

This fit of L-shaped member 10 against the furring strips is furthershown in the cross-sectional view of FIG. 4.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the system of the invention (viewed frombelow). It can be seen that when a plurality of L-shaped members 10 areplaced against the existing walls and ceiling of a room, the L-shapedmembers 10 form a border around the perimeter of the existing ceilingand thus create a recessed tray ceiling 21 within the border. It can beseen that this view shows the perpendicular corner-joining of theL-shaped members 10, as detailed in FIG. 8.

FIG. 6 shows an alternative embodiment similar to the embodiment of FIG.3, except that in this embodiment, lights 22 and speakers 23 are locatedwithin the cavity formed by L-shaped member 10.

FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view similar to FIG. 4, except that a light22 and wire 24 that supplies power to light 22 are located within thecavity formed by L-shaped member 10.

FIGS. 8, 9, and 10 illustrate alternative structures at the corner jointbetween two L-shaped members 10. It can be understood that these viewsare from below, looking up at the L-shaped members 10. FIG. 8illustrates a perpendicular corner-joining of the L-shaped members 10,wherein one L-shaped member 10 extends all the way to existing wall 15and the other L-shaped member butts up against it. FIG. 9 illustrates adiagonal or “mitered” corner joining of L-shaped members 10, wherein theends of L-shaped members 10 are cut or preformed at an angle such thatthey fit together in a way similar to that seen in a mitered-jointpicture frame. FIG. 10 illustrates a corner-joining of L-shaped members10, wherein a separate corner piece 25 is placed against existingceiling 16 in the corner formed by existing walls 15, and thelongitudinal ends of L-shaped members 10 are butted up against cornerpiece 25. It should be understood that corner piece 25 is similarlyL-shaped in cross-section, such that a cavity is created when cornerpiece 25 is place against existing ceiling 16.

Installing the tray ceiling system of the invention involves thefollowing steps:

When using furring strips to attach the L-shaped members to the existingwalls and ceiling, the furring strips are cut to fit the room dimensionsand are then positioned and attached to the walls and ceiling using anysuitable means, at the proper locations described above in thediscussion of FIGS. 2-4. The L-shaped members are also cut to fit theroom dimensions and the particular corner-joining method used. Next, theL-shaped members are lifted into place against the existing wall andceiling and attached to the furring strips using nails, screws,adhesive, or any other suitable means. The joint between the existingwall and the wall-proximate edge of the L-shaped member, and the jointbetween the existing ceiling and the ceiling-proximate edge of theL-shaped member, can be caulked if desired to eliminate any visiblegaps. Caulk can also be used to cover seams between the members, nailholes in the members, and any decorative/architectural molding that isadded.

It should be understood that if lights, speakers, or other items are tobe located on the L-shaped member, these items and any wires connectedto them can be installed prior to lifting the L-shaped members intoplace. Alternatively, these items can be installed after the L-shapedmembers are in place. In the latter case, it is advantageous topre-position any necessary wires before lifting the L-shaped membersinto place. After the items are installed, any wires running to them arethen connected to a central power, data, or other source.

While the above descriptions contain many specificities, these shall notbe construed as limitations on the scope of the invention, but rather asexemplifications of embodiments thereof. Many other variations arepossible without departing from the spirit of the invention. Examples ofjust a few of the possible variations follow:

The shape and dimensions of the L-shaped member can be different thanthose shown. As just one example, the height of the inward-facingsurface can be greater or smaller in order to yield a profile thatprotrudes from the ceiling more or less, respectively. Said another way,the height of the inward-facing surface can vary in order to vary the“depth” of the tray ceiling recess. As another example, the width of thedownward-facing surface can be greater or smaller in order to yield aprofile that protrudes from the wall more or less, respectively. Thelength of the L-shaped member will vary, of course, depending on thedimensions of the room in which the inventive system is employed. Manyother different shapes and dimensions are possible. Further, when theelongated member is referred to herein as substantially L-shaped incross-section, that encompasses embodiments in which one leg of the “L”is shorter than the other leg, as well as the embodiment in which thetwo legs of the “L” are equal.

The means used to attach the L-shaped member to the existing wall andceiling can be different than the furring strips shown. As anon-limiting example, the edges of the L-shaped member can be attacheddirectly to the existing wall and ceiling surfaces using an adhesive orother means.

The L-shaped member is preferably formed of one piece, in order tominimize cost as well as installation time and effort. It is alsopreferably made from foam polyvinyl chloride (PVC) material that issufficiently strong to support the weight of the member itself, or theweight of the member plus any lights, speakers, or other items locatedtherein. However, the L-shaped member can also be made from othermaterials, including but not limited to regular (non-foam) PVC, otherpolymers, medium-density fibreboard (MDF), and other forms of wood. TheL-shaped member can also be formed of multiple pieces that are attachedtogether.

The downward-facing surface and/or the inward-facing surface of theL-shaped member can be formed in a variety of shapes for decorativepurposes, including but not limited to a groove, ridge, bevel, dartdesign, alternating tooth design, a convex or concave design, and anegg-shaped design. Alternatively, a separate molding or trim piece canbe attached to the downward-facing surface and/or the inward-facingsurface of the L-shaped member, in order to provide a decorativeappearance. Accordingly, the scope of the invention should be determinednot by the embodiments illustrated, but by the appended claims and theirlegal equivalents.

1. A tray ceiling system, comprising: (a) a plurality of elongatedmembers adapted for attachment to an existing wall and ceiling of aroom, said elongated members having a first surface substantiallyparallel to said ceiling and a second surface substantiallyperpendicular to said ceiling, such that said first surface and saidsecond surface are substantially perpendicular to each other; and (b)means for attaching said elongated members to said existing wallproximate to an edge of said first surface, and to said ceilingproximate to an edge of said second surface, around the perimeter ofsaid existing ceiling, such that a cavity is created between saidelongated members and said existing wall and ceiling, and the part ofsaid existing ceiling inward from said elongated members is providedwith a recessed appearance.
 2. The system of claim 1, wherein said meansfor attaching comprise furring strips attached to said existing wallsand ceiling, and said elongated members are attached to said furringstrips.
 3. The system of claim 1, wherein at least one light is locatedwithin said cavity.
 4. The system of claim 1, wherein a plurality oflights are located within said cavity.
 5. The system of claim 1, whereinat least one audio speaker is located within said cavity.
 6. The systemof claim 5, wherein a plurality of audio speakers are located withinsaid cavity.
 7. The system of claim 1, wherein said elongated membersare joined at the corners of said room in a perpendicular manner, with afirst said elongated member extending longitudinally to said existingwall and a second elongated member butting against said first elongatedmember.
 8. The system of claim 1, wherein said elongated members arejoined at the corners of said room in a diagonal manner, with thelongitudinal ends of said elongated members being cut or preformed suchthat they fit together at an angle.
 9. The system of claim 1, whereinsaid system also comprises a corner piece located against said existingceiling in a corner formed by two said exiting walls.
 10. The system ofclaim 1, wherein said elongated members are substantially L-shaped incross-section.
 11. The system of claim 1, wherein said elongated membersare formed of one piece, from a material selected from the groupconsisting of: polymer, foam polyvinyl chloride, non-foam polyvinylchloride, medium-density fibreboard, and wood.
 12. A tray ceilingsystem, comprising: (a) a plurality of elongated members, said elongatedmembers being substantially L-shaped in cross-section; and (b) means forattaching said substantially L-shaped members to an existing wallproximate to a first edge of said substantially L-shaped member, and toan existing ceiling proximate to an opposing second edge of saidsubstantially L-shaped member, around the perimeter of said existingceiling, such that a cavity is created between said substantiallyL-shaped members and said existing wall and ceiling, and the part ofsaid existing ceiling inward from said substantially L-shaped members isprovided with a recessed appearance.
 13. The system of claim 12, whereinsaid means for attaching comprise furring strips attached to saidexisting walls and ceiling, and said substantially L-shaped members areattached to said furring strips.
 14. The system of claim 12, wherein atleast one light is located within said cavity.
 15. The system of claim12, wherein a plurality of lights are located within said cavity. 16.The system of claim 12, wherein at least one audio speaker is locatedwithin said cavity.
 17. The system of claim 12, wherein saidsubstantially L-shaped members are joined at the corners of said room ina perpendicular manner, with a first said substantially L-shaped memberextending longitudinally to said existing wall and a secondsubstantially L-shaped member butting against said first substantiallyL-shaped member.
 18. The system of claim 12, wherein said substantiallyL-shaped members are joined at the corners of said room in a diagonalmanner, with the longitudinal ends of said substantially L-shapedmembers being cut or preformed such that they fit together at an angle.19. The system of claim 12, wherein said system also comprises a cornerpiece located against said existing ceiling in a corner formed by twosaid exiting walls.
 20. The system of claim 12, wherein said elongatedmembers are formed of one piece, from a material selected from the groupconsisting of: polymer, foam polyvinyl chloride, non-foam polyvinylchloride, medium-density fibreboard, and wood.